Methods of treating overweight and obesity

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to compositions, kits, uses, systems and methods for treating overweight and obesity using naltrexone plus bupropion, preferably in combination with a comprehensive web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, and preferably in subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/US2013/044368, entitled “METHODS OF TREATING OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY,” filed Jun. 5, 2013, and published in English on Dec. 12, 2013 as WO 2013/184837, which is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/656,451 filed Jun. 6, 2012, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to compositions, kits, uses, systems and methods for treating overweight and obesity using naltrexone plus bupropion, preferably in combination with a comprehensive web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, and optionally in subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Description of the Related Art

Obesity has been defined in terms of body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated as weight (kg)/[height (m)]². According to the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), for adults over 20 years old, BMI is categorized as follows: below 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5-24.9 is considered normal, 25.0-29.9 is considered overweight, and 30.0 and above is considered obese (World Health Organization. Physical status: The use and interpretation of anthropometry. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization 1995. WHO Technical Report Series).

The prevalence of obesity has markedly increased over the past three decades, with 32% of men and 36% of women considered obese. These individuals are at increased risk for a variety of chronic conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, dyslipidemia, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis, as well as increased mortality risk from all causes (NHLBI Clinical Guidelines, 1998). Overweight and obesity are also associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Diet and exercise-based behavioral modification is the mainstay of weight management therapy. However, such intervention is often of limited effectiveness and difficult for individuals to adhere to. Therefore, pharmacotherapy has been employed as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Orlistat, lorcaserin, and phentermine/topiramate are currently the only three drugs approved in the United States for the long-term treatment of obesity. A 5-10% weight loss has been determined to lead to significant medical benefits. While orlistat has a favorable safety profile, it can cause loose stools and fecal incontinence, making acceptance by patients difficult. Bariatric surgery (specifically gastric banding) is now indicated for subjects with BMI≧30 kg/m2 who have at least one obesity-related comorbidity. While effective in most cases, it is invasive with possible complications including infection, death, hypoglycemia, failure to lose weight, gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, depression, sexual and relationship problems, and noncompliance with behavioral recommendations.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,375,111 and 7,462,626 disclose the combination of naltrexone and bupropion (NB) for weight loss therapy. Wadden et al. disclose the combination of naltrexone and bupropion as an adjunct to an intensive behavioral modification (BMOD) program for weight loss. Obesity (2011) 19:110-120. The BMOD program described by Wadden et al. was delivered in person to groups of 10-20 persons. Group meetings lasted 90 min and were held weekly for the first 16 weeks, every other week for the next 12 weeks, and monthly thereafter (yielding a total of 28 sessions). Group sessions typically began with a review of participants' eating and activity records and other homework assignments. Group leaders then introduced a new topic in weight control which, during the first 16 weeks, included meal planning, stimulus control, slowing eating, problem solving, social support, and coping with high risk situations. Subsequent sessions covered skills required for maintaining lost weight.

While the combination of naltrexone and bupropion is known to be efficacious for weight management for some patient populations, alone or in combination with an intensive BMOD program, a need exists for an effective treatment of overweight or obesity in subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In addition, there exists a need for a weight management program for use in combination with naltrexone and bupropion that is easier for patients to comply with than existing BMOD programs, but which is still efficacious, particularly in subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention includes a method of treating a subject at increased risk of an adverse cardiovascular outcome comprising for overweight or obesity: identifying an overweight or obese subject at increased risk of an adverse cardiovascular outcome; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, aid overweight or obese subject is identified as being at increased risk of an adverse cardiovascular outcome if the subject: a.) is diagnosed as having cardiovascular disease with at least one risk factor selected from the group consisting of: a history of documented myocardial infarction>3 months prior to the identification; a history of coronary revascularization including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stent placement, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or laser atherectomy; a history of carotid or peripheral revascularization, including carotid endarterectomy, lower extremity atherosclerotic disease atherectomy, repair of abdominal aorta aneurysm, femoral or popliteal bypass; angina with ischemic changes, ECG changes on a graded exercise test, or positive cardiac imaging study; ankle brachial index<0.9 assessed by simple palpation within prior 2 years of the identification; and ≧50% stenosis of a coronary, carotid, or lower extremity artery within prior 2 years of the identification; and/or b.) is diagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes mellitus with at least 2 risk factors selected from the group consisting of: hypertension controlled with or without pharmacotherapy at <145/95 mm Hg; dyslipidemia requiring pharmacotherapy; documented low HDL cholesterol, <50 mg/dL in women or <40 mg/dL in men, within prior 12 months of the identification; and current tobacco smoker.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a lead-in 2-week period during which the subject receive treatment according to one of two sequences: 1 week of active study medication comprising sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, once a day followed by 1 week of placebo once a day; or 1 week of placebo followed by 1 week of active study medication comprising sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the subject does not have one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: myocardial infarction within 3 months prior to the identification; angina pectoris Grade III or IV as per the Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading scheme; a clinical history of cerebrovascular disease including stroke; a history of tachyarrhythmia other than sinus tachycardia; blood pressure≧145/95 mm Hg, irrespective of treatment with antihypertensive agents; unstable weight within 3 months prior to the identification; planned bariatric surgery, cardiac surgery, or coronary angioplasty; severe renal impairment defined by an estimated GFR<30 mL/min; clinical history of liver failure or documented ALT or AST greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal; known infection with HIV or hepatitis; chronic use or positive screen for opioids; recent drug or alcohol abuse or dependence, with the exception of nicotine dependence, within 6 months prior to the identification; history of seizures, including febrile seizures, cranial trauma, or other conditions that predispose the subject to seizures; history of mania or current diagnosis of active psychosis, active bulimia or anorexia nervosa, but not binge eating disorder; a risk for suicide attempts; acute depressive illness including new onset of depression or acute exacerbation of symptoms, but not stable subjects on chronic treatment for depression; any condition with life expectancy anticipated to be less than 4 years including congestive heart failure NYHA Class 3 or 4; a history of malignancy within the previous 5 years, not including non-melanoma skin cancer or surgically cured cervical cancer; current use of other bupropion or naltrexone containing products; a history of hypersensitivity or intolerance to naltrexone or bupropion; use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days prior to the identification; use of any investigational drug, device, or procedure within 30 days prior to the identification; a pregnant or breast-feeding woman, or currently trying to become pregnant, or of child-bearing potential, including peri-menopausal women who have had a menstrual period within one year, and not willing to practice birth control; and inability to consistently access broadband internet.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the subject with a web-based weight management program, a phone-based weight management program, or a combination thereof.

An embodiment of the invention includes a method of treating a subject for overweight or obesity comprising: identifying an overweight or obese subject; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a web-based weight management program, a phone-based weight management program, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the identified subject has a BMI≧30 and ≦45 kg/m2 with uncomplicated obesity. In some embodiments, the identified subject has a BMI of ≧27 and ≦45 kg/m2 with dyslipidemia and/or controlled hypertension. In some embodiments, the subject is treated for at least 26 weeks. In some embodiments, the phone-based weight management program comprise one or more coaching calls to the subject. In some embodiments, the phone-based weight management program optionally comprises one or more web coaching tools. In some embodiments, the web-based or phone-based weight management program provides the subject with one or more of behavioral, nutritional or fitness education.

In some embodiments, the education are delivered by a trained health or fitness coach and/or a registered dietitian. In some embodiments, the trained health or fitness coach and/or the registered dietitian counsel the subject via the phone or via a website for the subject, and provide one or more of the topics selected from the group consisting of tips and motivational messages; coaching through question and answer; weekly office hours for real-time responses to the subject's inquiries via the website; weekly educational materials; video lessons; weight, exercise, or diet tracking with badge rewards; goal setting; progress tracking; and communications to encourage the subject to engage in the weight management program.

In some embodiments, 32 mg per day of sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and 360 mg per day of sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, the subject is administered the sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a tablet containing 8 mg of sustained release naltrexone and 90 mg of sustained release bupropion.

In some embodiments, the treatment with naltrexone and bupropion does not increase the subject's risk of an adverse cardiovascular outcome. In some embodiments, the treatment with naltrexone and bupropion decreases the subject's risk of an adverse cardiovascular outcome. In some embodiments, the adverse cardiovascular outcome is cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. In some embodiments, the subject achieves a percentage of weight loss of at least 5%, at least 10% or at least 15%. In some embodiments, the weight management program has a period of at least 52 weeks or at least 78 weeks.

In some embodiments, the subject does not receive in-person counseling as part of a weight management program. In some embodiments, the subject does not receive more than 5 in-person counseling sessions as part of a weight management program. In some embodiments, the subject does not receive an intensive behavioral modification (BMOD) program for weight loss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to compositions, kits, uses, systems and methods for treating overweight and obesity using naltrexone plus bupropion, preferably in combination with a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CLI) program including a web-based weight management program, a phone-based weight management program, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the subject being treated for overweight and obesity are subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment of a subject at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes with naltrexone plus bupropion in combination with a comprehensive web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program results in no more major adverse cardiovascular outcomes than treatment with the web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. In some embodiments, the treatment of a subject at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes with naltrexone plus bupropion in combination with a comprehensive web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program surprisingly results in fewer major adverse cardiovascular outcomes than treatment with the web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. Major adverse cardiovascular outcomes are cardiovascular death (including fatal myocardial infarction and fatal stroke), nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or nonfatal unstable angina requiring hospitalization.

In some embodiments, the subject being treated by the methods disclosed herein is at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Subjects at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes include subjects having a.) cardiovascular disease (confirmed diagnosis or at high likelihood of cardiovascular disease) with at least one of the following: history of documented myocardial infarction>3 months prior to screening; history of coronary revascularization (i.e., coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stent placement, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or laser atherectomy); history of carotid or peripheral revascularization (i.e., carotid endarterectomy, lower extremity atherosclerotic disease atherectomy, repair of abdominal aorta aneurysm, femoral or popliteal bypass); angina with ischemic changes (resting ECG), ECG changes on a graded exercise test (GXT), or positive cardiac imaging study; ankle brachial index<0.9 (by simple palpation) within prior 2 years; >50% stenosis of a coronary, carotid, or lower extremity artery within prior 2 years; and/or b. Type 2 diabetes mellitus with at least 2 of the following: hypertension (controlled with or without pharmacotherapy at <145/95 mm Hg); dyslipidemia requiring pharmacotherapy; documented low HDL cholesterol (<50 mg/dL in women or <40 mg/dL in men) within prior 12 months; current tobacco smoker.

In some such embodiments, the subject being treated has uncomplicated obesity. In some other embodiments, the subject being treated is overweight and has dyslipidemia and/or controlled hypertension. In some embodiments, the subject being treated by the methods disclosed herein is not at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

In some embodiments the treatment with naltrexone and bupropion is combined with a weight management program. In some embodiments, the weight management program is a web-based program. In some other embodiments, the weight management program is a phone-based program. In some other embodiments, the weight management program is a combination of both web-based and phone based programs. In some embodiments, the subject does not receive more than 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 in-person counseling sessions as part of a weight management program. In some embodiments, the subject does not receive any in-person counseling sessions as part of a weight management program.

Web-Based Weight Management Program

Preferably, the web-based program provides a progressive nutrition and exercise program with goal setting and tracking tools. Each subject is assigned to a health and fitness professional who counsels them online throughout the program. Additional educational tools include weekly web-based informational, educational and motivational resources supplemented by video lessons (Table 1) presented at regular intervals. Content for the program consists of: a weekly email that announces the goals for the week, provides motivation, and encourages continued participation; weekly goals (from email) that align with each week's theme (Table 1), along with a detailed explanation and a strategy for achieving these goals, placed on the MyWeightMate.com subject pages; three pieces of additional weekly content posted to user pages (tips and educational information) to help subjects reach their weekly goals; motivational messages throughout the week posted on participant pages; triggered event emails sent to users based on behaviors (i.e. absence from program activity, successful logging); video lessons provided on the MyWeightMate.com site for participants to view and archived for future access: weekly for the first 16 weeks, biweekly for the next 12 weeks, monthly for the remaining duration of the study, and two refresher campaigns that include 4 weekly sessions each year during the third and fourth year of the trial. Video lessons focus on relevant topics and are developed by subject matter experts.

TABLE 1 Weekly Themes and Video Topics for First 16 Weeks of the Weight Management Program Week Theme Video Lesson Topic 1 Get Started Setting Yourself Up For Success: Getting Your Mind Right 2 Perfect Portions SMART Goals 3 Avoid Pitfalls Proper Form When You Move 4 Get More Vitamin Zzz Healthful Substitutions for Food and Exercise 5 Boost Your Fitness Fitness Myths 6 Skinny Food Secrets Smart Strategies for Eating Less 7 Smash Sugar Spikes How Do You Make Time For Your Health and Why is It Psychologically Important? 8 Take the Show on the Road Accidental Exercise 9 Take Some Pressure Off Powering Up Your Exercise 10 Metabolism Superchargers Staying Fit If You Sit 11 Clobber High Cholesterol Healthy Choices 12 Motivation Boosters Breaking Weight Loss Plateaus 13 Kick It Up Replacing Bad Habits With Healthy Ones 14 Rut Busters The Diet Hype Trap 15 Shore Up Your Self- Healthy Living Guide: Live Your Confidence Best Life 16 Review and Renew Boost Your Metabolism

The web-based weight management program provides behavioral, nutritional and fitness education delivered by trained health and fitness coaches. The website provides a “WeightMate Coach” who counsels the subject via the participant's individual webpage, and provides one or more of the following: tips and motivational messages; coaching through Q&A; weekly office hours for real-time response via the website; weekly educational materials; content developed with subject matter experts; video lessons to supplement the weekly themes; weight, exercise, and diet tracking with badge rewards; suggested activity and coaching tip; communication to encourage engagement; and a contemporary website that is fun and intuitive.

In one embodiment, new themes and goals are introduced each Monday, with 2-3 goals of the week, relevant content and/or video lesson(s) (Table 1) are provided, and motivational messages are provided on one or more days of the week. Optionally, additional tips are provided one or more days during the week. In some embodiments, video lessons supplement the weekly educational themes. The produced video content ensures quality and uniformity of message to subjects, and a Q&A function allows patients to ask questions with <24 hour turnaround.

In some embodiments, web-based individual counseling is provided by a coach; preferably the subject has unlimited access to coach. Preferably the coach provides a schedule to the subject which includes weekly ‘office hours’ for real-time Q&A responses. The program emphasizes weekly weigh ins with daily food and activity tracking. Preferably, the website can track calories for each meal using a computer database of calories for specific foods and/or meals, and save favorite foods and meals. Four reference menus based on caloric needs and food preferences are provided. In some embodiments the subject is rewarded with badges for meeting particular goals (e.g., for 7 days of activity logged; for 7 days of food logged; for 3 weeks of weight logged; for first 15 pounds lost; for 12 weeks of program participation; for 26 weeks of program participation; for 52 weeks of program participation; for 78 weeks of program participation; for 5% weight loss; for 10% weight loss; for 15% weight loss). In a preferred embodiment, the subject periodically establishes a weight loss goal which is recorded as part of the program. The subject's progress toward the subject's goal(s) can be provided to the subject via the subject's webpage. The weight loss goal can be the goal for a one week, two week, month, two month, six month, year or longer period of time. The program provides the option for the participating subject to set a specific weight loss goal at the beginning of the program. The program also provides the option to track and log weight loss, and the progress towards achieving the specific goal on a daily or weekly basis. Optionally, a graphic representation of weight loss progress is provided to the subject via the subject's webpage. Periodic encouraging messages (e.g., badges and award notes) can be provided. Preferably, behavior-based automated messages from trainers are provided for increased motivation and participation.

In some embodiments, the exercise portion of the web-based weight management program encourages 5 days of activity and 2 days of rest, preferably on non-consecutive days (e.g. Monday and Friday). In some embodiments, the exercise program provides instructions on stretching, walking and other light cardio activity. Video clips can provide educational demonstration for stretches and exercise maneuvers. The website can track calories burned by the subject through exercise and activity logs.

In a preferred embodiment, the web-based weight management program does not involve any in-person therapy or group meetings.

Phone-Based Weight Management Program

In some embodiments, the telephone-based program comprises personalized coaching through one or more phone calls. In one embodiment, the phone calls are conducted by a dedicated coach to the subject receiving treatment. In another embodiment, the phone calls are conducted by a registered dietitian to the subject receiving treatment. In some such embodiments, the phone-based program includes 6 to 15, preferably 12 scheduled calls over the first 3 to 8, preferably 6 months of the treatment. The topics of said scheduled calls can include cognitive behavioral coaching and nutrition coaching (See, for example, Table 2). In some such embodiments, the phone-based program includes 6 to 15, preferably 12 additional calls over the next 3 to 8, preferably 6 months of treatment.

In some embodiments, the phone-based program optionally comprises on-line coaching tools, such as an integrated web support for web coaching, including the web-based program described above. The web coaching can include the essential practices for weight loss and maintaining weight loss, progress tracking, and/or virtual coaching. Non-limiting examples of the essential practices can include E-lessons, videos and podcasts, articles and games relating to topics such as healthy cooking, setting realistic goals, and controlling stress. Non-limiting examples of items the progress trackers can track include weight, nutrition intake, activity, stress, biometrics, coaching calls, etc. Non-limiting example of virtual coating can include generating and updating of to-do list for a subject participating in the program, sending emails, etc.

In some embodiments, the phone-based program can also optionally include one or more electronic devices for wireless activity monitoring. Non-limiting example of such electronic device is FitLinxx® ActiPed to be used in conjunction with a USB access point to track steps, distance, calories and activity time. The electronic device(s) can be wirelessly synced with the web support. In one embodiment, the phone-based program is the Weight Talk® Program available from Alere™.

A subject receiving the treatment of naltrexone and bupropion can enroll in the phone-based program via various methods, including both web enrollment and phone enrollment. In some embodiments, the phone-based program also include frontline support to identify patients who qualify for the clinical study, discuss benefit of the phone-based program, set realistic expectations, assist in enrollment and refer specific question to coaches.

TABLE 2 Exemplary Phone-based Weight Management Program Call Topics Call # Call Topics Call 1: Getting Started: Core Values, goal setting and tracking Call 2: Reducing calories and healthy eating (with registered dietitian) Call 3: Increasing physical activity Call 4: Managing stress Call 5: Changing unhelpful thoughts Call 6: Gaining control of your environment (with registered dietitian) Call 7: Developing time management skills and improving sleep Call 8: Navigating difficult situations: social situations and restaurants Call 9: Weight maintenance skills Call 10: Rebounding from lapses Call 11: Maintaining motivation Call 12: Evaluation and Participant Feedback

In a preferred embodiment, treatment with a combination of naltrexone sustained-release (SR)/bupropion SR (NB), alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, does not increase, or more preferably decreases, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke in overweight and obese subjects, as compared to placebo or a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. In some embodiments, treatment with NB, alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, does not increase, or more preferably decreases, the occurrence of one or more of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or nonfatal unstable angina requiring hospitalization in overweight and obese subjects, as compared to placebo or a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. In some embodiments, treatment with NB, alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, does not increase, or more preferably decreases, one or more of: the occurrence of all cause mortality; the occurrence of unstable angina requiring hospitalization; and the occurrence of coronary revascularization procedures, as compared to placebo or a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. In some embodiments, treatment with NB, alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, decreases body weight or improves systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, as compared to placebo or a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program alone. In some embodiments, the individual treated is overweight or obese, and at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

In some embodiments, treatment with a combination of naltrexone sustained-release (SR)/bupropion SR (NB), alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, increases one or more of: the percent change in body weight from baseline; the percentage of subjects achieving a loss of at least 5%, 10%, and 15% of baseline body weight; and the absolute change in body weight from baseline, compared to Usual Care (no study medication and minimal lifestyle intervention program). In some embodiments, treatment with NB, alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, improves one or more of: cardiovascular risk factors (one or more of waist circumference, fasting triglycerides, fasting LDL cholesterol, and fasting HDL cholesterol); vital signs (one or more of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate); measures of glucose metabolism (one or more of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR); measurements derived from patient reported outcomes (one or more of eating behavior (e.g. BES), sexual function (e.g. ASEX Scale), and weight-related quality of life (e.g. IWQOL-Lite)), as compared to Usual Care (no study medication and minimal lifestyle intervention program). In some embodiments, the above mentioned increases or improvements are measured at week 26 of treatment in comparison to baseline, in some embodiments the measurements are at week 52 or 78 of treatment in comparison to baseline. In some embodiments that treated individual is female or male, 18 to 60 years, inclusive, of age, with a BMI≧30 and ≦45 kg/m² for subjects with uncomplicated obesity, and a BMI of ≧27 and ≦45 kg/m² for subjects who are overweight or obese and have dyslipidemia and/or controlled hypertension. In some embodiments the treated individual is overweight or obese, and at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In some embodiments, the treated individual is not overweight or obese, and at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

In some embodiments, treatment with a combination of naltrexone sustained-release (SR)/bupropion SR (NB), in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, is the same or increases one or more of: the percent change in body weight from baseline; the percentage of subjects achieving a loss of at least 5%, 10%, and 15% of baseline body weight; and the absolute change in body weight from baseline, compared to NB in conjunction with an intensive behavioral modification (BMOD) program for weight loss delivered in person. In some embodiments, treatment with NB, alone or in conjunction with a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program, is the same or improves one or more of: cardiovascular risk factors (one or more of waist circumference, fasting triglycerides, fasting LDL cholesterol, and fasting HDL cholesterol); vital signs (one or more of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate); measures of glucose metabolism (one or more of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR); measurements derived from patient reported outcomes (one or more of eating behavior (e.g. BES), sexual function (e.g. ASEX Scale), and weight-related quality of life (e.g. IWQOL-Lite)), as compared to NB in conjunction with an intensive behavioral modification (BMOD) program for weight loss delivered in person. In some embodiments, the above mentioned increases or improvements are measured at week 26 of treatment in comparison to baseline, in some embodiments the measurements are at week 52 or 78 of treatment in comparison to baseline. In some embodiments that treated individual is female or male, 18 to 60 years, inclusive, of age, with a BMI≧30 and ≦45 kg/m² for subjects with uncomplicated obesity, and a BMI of ≧27 and ≦45 kg/m² for subjects who are overweight or obese and have dyslipidemia and/or controlled hypertension. In some embodiments the treated individual is overweight or obese, and at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In some embodiments, the treated individual is not overweight or obese, and at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

In some embodiments, the individual has a body mass index (BMI) of at least 25 kg/m². In some embodiments, the individual has a BMI of at least 30 kg/m². In some embodiments, the individual has a BMI of at least 40 kg/m². In some embodiments, the individual has a BMI of less than 25 kg/m², or develops a BMI less than 25 kg/m² during the course of administration of naltrexone and bupropion. In these embodiments, it may be beneficial for health or cosmetic purposes to mitigate subsequent weight gain or to promote weight loss, thereby reducing the BMI even further. In some embodiments, the individual has been diagnosed by a physician as being overweight or obese. In some embodiments, the individual is identified, including self-identified, as overweight or obese, or is identified as having been diagnosed as overweight or obese. In some embodiments, the individual is suffering from dyslipidemia and/or controlled hypertension in addition to being overweight, or in addition to being obese.

In some embodiments, the promotion of weight loss is measured by a percent change from a baseline body weight. In some of these embodiments, the amount of weight loss is, is about, is at least, is at least about 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 15%, or more of initial body weight, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. In some embodiments, the promotion of weight loss is measured as a reduction in weight gain relative to the amount of weight gain experienced by the relevant control, and the amount of reduction in weight gain is, is about, is at least, is at least about, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or more, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values.

In some embodiments, the dosage is adjusted so that the patient loses weight at a rate of about 3% of baseline body weight every six months. However, the rate of weight loss for a patient may be adjusted by the treating physician based on the patient's particular needs.

In some embodiments, the mitigation of weight gain or promotion of weight loss occurs by increasing satiety in the individual. In some embodiments, the mitigation of weight gain or promotion of weight loss occurs by suppressing the appetite of the individual. In some embodiments, the treatment comprises instituting a regimen of diet and/or increased activity.

In some embodiments, the naltrexone or combination therapy, including naltrexone in combination with bupropion or fluoxetine, is in an amount sufficient to affect weight loss, reduce a cardiovascular risk factor, increase insulin sensitivity, reduce food cravings, treat a visceral fat condition, mitigate weight gain or promote weight loss during smoking cessation, or provide weight loss therapy in patients with major depression. Non-limiting examples of such methods of treatment are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,375,111 and 7,462,626; in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0275970, 2007/0270450, 2007/0117827, 2007/0179168, 2008/0214592, 2007/0128298, and 2007/0129283; in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/751,970, 61/167,486, and 61/293,844; and in WO 2009/158114, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes, including without limitation for the purpose of describing methods of affecting weight loss, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing food cravings, treating visceral fat conditions, mitigating weight gain or promoting weight loss during smoking cessation, and providing weight loss therapy in patients with major depression. In some embodiments, the cardiovascular risk factor includes one or more of the following: total cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol level, triglyceride level, glucose level, and insulin level. In some embodiments, the cardiovascular risk factor includes one or more of the following: total cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol level, and triglyceride level.

In some embodiments, the increased efficacy of a weight loss treatment described herein comprises an improvement in an outcome measure. For example, in some embodiments, the increased efficacy increases the amount of weight loss. In some embodiments, the increase in efficacy decreases the frequency or severity of adverse events, including but not limited to nausea, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and insomnia. In some embodiments, the increased efficacy improves another secondary endpoint, including but not limited to waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, triglyceride levels, HDL cholesterol levels or the ratio of LDL/HDL cholesterol levels. As one of skill in the art recognizes, in some circumstances, it is desirable to decrease waist circumference, hs-CRP levels, triglyceride levels, and the ratio of LDL/HDL cholesterol levels, and to increase HDL cholesterol levels. In some embodiments, the improvement in the outcome measure is, is about, is at least, or is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100%, or within a range defined by any two of these values as compared to baseline or the relevant control.

In some embodiments, naltrexone or naltrexone and bupropion are each administered once per day. In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are each divided into equal doses and administered more than once per day. In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are each divided into unequal doses and administered more than once per day. In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are divided into a different number of doses and are administered a different number of times per day. In one such embodiment, the dose of one of naltrexone or bupropion is divided, while the dose of the other is not.

In some embodiments, one or both of naltrexone and bupropion is administered one, two, three, four, or more times per day. Either or both compounds can be administered less than once per day, for example once every 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days, or every 1 or 2 weeks, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. In some embodiments, the number of administrations per day is constant (e.g., one time per day). In other embodiments, the number of administrations is variable. The number of administrations may change depending on effectiveness of the dosage form, observed side effects, external factors (e.g., a change in another medication), or the length of time that the dosage form has been administered.

In some embodiments, the daily dose of naltrexone can range from about 4 mg to about 50 mg, or about 4 mg to about 32 mg, or about 8 mg to about 32 mg, or about 8 mg to about 16 mg. In some embodiments, the daily dose is about 4 mg, about 8 mg, about 12 mg, about 16 mg, about 32 mg, or about 48 mg of naltrexone, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. The selection of a particular dosage may be based on the weight of the patient. The selection of a particular dosage may be based on the identity, dosage, and/or dosing schedule of another co-administered compound. However, in some embodiments, it may be necessary to use dosages outside these ranges. In some embodiments, the daily dose is administered in a single oral dosage form. In some embodiments, the daily dose of naltrexone is the same, and in some embodiments, the daily dose is different.

In some embodiments, the daily dose of bupropion can range from about 30 mg to about 500 mg, or about 30 mg to about 360 mg, or about 90 mg to about 360 mg. In some embodiments, the daily dose is about 30 mg, about 90 mg, about 180 mg, about 360 mg, or about 450 mg of bupropion, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. The selection of a particular dosage may be based on the weight of the patient. The selection of a particular dosage may be based on the identity, dosage and/or dosing schedule of another co-administered compound. However, in some embodiments, it may be necessary to use dosages outside these ranges. In some embodiments, the daily dose is administered in a single oral dosage form. In some embodiments, the daily dose of bupropion is the same, and in some embodiments, the daily dose is different.

The compositions described herein may be distributed, provided to a patient for self-administration, or administered to an individual. In some embodiments, the combined naltrexone/bupropion therapies include a third compound.

In some embodiments, naltrexone and/or bupropion are provided or administered as an oral dosage form. In some embodiments, the oral dosage form is in the form of a pill, tablet, core, capsule, caplet, loose powder, solution, or suspension. In a preferred embodiment, the oral dosage form is in the form of a pill, tablet, or capsule. In some embodiments, the combined naltrexone/bupropion therapy is provided in a single oral dosage form. In some embodiments, the oral dosage form is in the form of a trilayer tablet as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0113026, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes, including without limitation for the purpose of describing trilayer tablets, methods of making and formulating trilayer tablets, and methods of administering them.

In some embodiments, at least one of naltrexone and bupropion is administered with varying frequency during treatment. In some of these embodiments, the varying frequency comprises a decreased frequency over time. For example, one or both of naltrexone and bupropion can be initially administered more than once per day, followed by administration only once per day at a later point in treatment. In some embodiments, the daily dosage of at least one of naltrexone and bupropion is consistent despite the varying frequency of administration. For example, in some embodiments, two tablets of each of naltrexone and bupropion are initially administered twice per day, while four tablets of each of naltrexone and bupropion are administered once per day at a later point in treatment. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or two tablets of each of naltrexone and bupropion are administered at a later point in treatment, where the one or two tablets have an equivalent total daily dosage as the two tablets each of naltrexone and bupropion initially administered twice per day.

In some embodiments where one or both of naltrexone and bupropion are administered less than once per day in a controlled release or sustained release (SR) formulation, the dose is selected so that the patient receives a daily dose that is about the same as a daily dose described herein.

In some embodiments, the naltrexone, alone or in a combination treatment, is not a sequestered form of naltrexone. For example, in some embodiments, naltrexone is in a non-sequestered, controlled release formulation. In some embodiments, naltrexone is a non-sequestered, sustained release formulation. In preferred embodiments, at least 50% of the naltrexone is released within 24 hours of administration.

In some embodiments, at least one of naltrexone or bupropion is administered in consistent daily dosages throughout the period of treatment. In some embodiments, at least one of naltrexone or bupropion is administered in varying daily dosages during the period of treatment. In some of these embodiments, the daily dosages comprise increasing daily dosages over time. In some of these embodiments, the daily dosages comprise decreasing daily dosages over time.

In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are administered individually. In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are administered in a single pharmaceutical composition comprising naltrexone and bupropion. In some embodiments, at least one of naltrexone or bupropion is in a sustained release or controlled release formulation. For example, sustained release forms of naltrexone are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0281021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes, including without limitation for the purpose of describing sustained release forms of naltrexone and bupropion, methods of making and formulating them into suitable dosage forms, and methods of administering them. In some embodiments, at least one of naltrexone or bupropion is administered with a physiologically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of naltrexone/bupropion combinations, formulations thereof, and methods of administering them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,375,111 and 7,462,626, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes, including without limitation for the purpose of describing combinations of naltrexone and bupropion, methods of making and formulating them into suitable dosage forms, and methods of administering them. Reference herein to the use or administration of naltrexone and naltrexone/bupropion combinations is understood to include all modes of administration disclosed or referred to herein, including without limitation separate administration, administration in a single dosage form, administration in the form of salts, and/or metabolites, and/or administration in sustained release forms. Techniques for formulation and administration of the compounds of the instant application may be found in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 18th edition, 1990, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, naltrexone is administered prior to bupropion. In some embodiments, naltrexone is administered subsequent to bupropion. In some embodiments, naltrexone and bupropion are co-administered. As used herein, co-administration includes administration in a single dosage form, or separate dosage forms that are administered at, or nearly at, the same time.

In some embodiments, the administration of naltrexone and bupropion is continued for a period of, or of about, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, or 52 weeks, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. In some embodiments, the administration of naltrexone and bupropion is continued until the reduction in symptoms of a disease, disorder, or condition is stabilized for a period of, or of about, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more weeks, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. For example, in some embodiments, the administration of a combined naltrexone/bupropion therapy is continued until the mitigation of weight gain or promotion of weight loss in an individual is stabilized for a period of, or of about, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more weeks, or a range defined by any two of the preceding values. In some embodiments, administration of naltrexone, or naltrexone and bupropion, is continued until the individual no longer needs a treatment.

In some embodiments, “administering” a drug includes an individual obtaining and taking a drug on their own. For example, in some embodiments, an individual obtains a drug from a pharmacy and self-administers the drug in accordance with the methods provided herein.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a kit. The kit may include one or more unit dosage forms comprising naltrexone, bupropion, or naltrexone and bupropion. The unit dosage forms may be of an oral formulation. For example, the unit dosage forms may comprise pills, tablets, or capsules. The kit may include a plurality of unit dosage forms. In some embodiments, the unit dosage forms are in a container. In some embodiments, the dosage forms are single oral dosage forms comprising naltrexone and bupropion or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The methods, compositions and kits disclosed herein may include information. The information may be in a form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use, or sale of pharmaceuticals, which notice is reflective of approval by the agency of the form of the drug for human or veterinary administration. Such information, for example, may be the labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drugs, or the approved product insert. The information can include required information regarding dose and dosage forms, administration schedules and routes of administration, adverse events, contraindications, warning and precautions, drug interactions, and use in specific populations (see, e.g., 21 C.F.R. §201.57 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and in some embodiments is required to be present on or associated with the drug for sale of the drug. Dosage forms comprising a sustained-release naltrexone formulation of the invention formulated in a compatible pharmaceutical carrier may also be prepared, placed in an appropriate container, and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition. In some embodiments, a kit is for sale of a prescription drug requiring the approval of and subject to the regulations of a governmental agency, such as the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. In some embodiments, the kit comprises the label or product insert required by the agency, such as the FDA, for sale of the kit to consumers, for example in the U.S.

The information may comprise instructions to administer the unit dosage form at a dosage of about 4 mg, about 8 mg, about 12 mg, about 16 mg, about 32 mg, or about 48 mg of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The information may comprise instructions to administer the unit dosage form at a dosage of about 30 mg, about 90 mg, about 180 mg, about 360 mg, or about 450 mg of bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These instructions may be provided in a variety of ways. The information may comprise instructions about when to administer the unit dosage forms. For example, the information may comprise instructions about when to administer the unit dosage forms relative to the administration of another medication or food. In preferred embodiments, the information instructs an individual to take naltrexone, or naltrexone and bupropion, with food, preferably a meal.

Some embodiments include information, preferably printed, that taking naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with food results in an increase in the bioavailability of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof compared to taking the same amount of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof without food. Some embodiments include information, preferably printed, that taking bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with food results in an increase in the bioavailability of bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof compared to taking the same amount of bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof without food. Some embodiments include information, preferably printed, that taking naltrexone and bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with food results in an increase in the bioavailability of naltrexone and/or bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, compared to taking the same amount of naltrexone and bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, without food. Some embodiments include information, preferably printed, that taking naltrexone, and/or bupropion or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with food results in fewer or less severe drug associated adverse events than taking the same amount of naltrexone and bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, without food. In some embodiments, the adverse events are gastrointestinal events. In some embodiments, information regarding bioavailability, adverse events, or instructions on administration regimes are provided to a subject, a dosage form comprising the medication described in the information is provided to the subject, and the dosage form is administered in accordance to the information. In some embodiments the subject is a patient in need of the medication. In some embodiments the medication is administered as a therapy for a disease as described herein.

In some embodiments, the methods, compositions and kits disclosed herein may include information regarding enrolling and/or accessing a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program. In some embodiments, the enrollment in a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program is a requirement of obtaining the treatment medication. In some embodiments, the enrollment in a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program is permitted only after obtaining a prescription for the treatment medication or the actual medication. In some embodiments, the method of treatment comprises enrolling in a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program prior to and/or as a condition of receiving the treatment medication. In some embodiments, the information includes a unique login or enrollment key for enrolling and/or accessing a web-based and/or telephone-based weight management program.

Instructions and/or information may be present in a variety of forms, including printed information on a suitable medium or substrate (e.g., a piece or pieces of paper on which the information is printed), computer readable medium (e.g., diskette, CD, etc. on which the information has been recorded), or a website address that may be accessed via the internet. Printed information may, for example, be provided on a label associated with a drug product, on the container for a drug product, packaged with a drug product, or separately given to the patient apart from a drug product, or provided in manner that the patient can independently obtain the information (e.g., a website). Printed information may also be provided to a medical caregiver involved in treatment of the patient. In some embodiments, the information is provided to a person orally.

Some embodiments comprise a therapeutic package suitable for commercial sale. Some embodiments comprise a container. The container can be in any conventional shape or form as known in the art which is made of a pharmaceutically acceptable material, for example a paper or cardboard box, a glass or plastic bottle or jar, a re-sealable bag (e.g., to hold a “refill” of tablets for placement into a different container), or a blister pack with individual dosages for pressing out of the pack according to a therapeutic schedule. The container employed can depend on the exact dosage form involved, e.g., a conventional cardboard box would not generally be used to hold a liquid suspension. It is feasible that more than one container can be used together in a single package to market a single dosage form. For example, tablets may be contained in a bottle which is in turn contained within a box. Non-limiting examples of packs and dispensers as well as oral dosage forms are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008/0110792 and 2008/0113026, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes, including without limitation for the purpose of describing combinations of naltrexone and bupropion, methods of making and formulating them into suitable dosage forms, methods of packing and dispensing them, and methods of administering them.

The information can be associated with the container, for example, by being: written on a label (e.g., the prescription label or a separate label) adhesively affixed to a bottle containing a dosage form described herein; included inside a container as a written package insert, such as inside a box which contains unit dose packets; applied directly to the container such as being printed on the wall of a box; or attached as by being tied or taped, e.g., as an instructional card affixed to the neck of a bottle via a string, cord or other line, lanyard or tether type device. The information may be printed directly on a unit dose pack or blister pack or blister card.

The term “bupropion” may be used in a general way herein to refer to a free base of bupropion, a pharmaceutically acceptable bupropion salt (including anhydrous forms, e.g., anhydrous bupropion), a bupropion metabolite (e.g., hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion), a bupropion isomer, or mixtures thereof.

The term “naltrexone” may be used in a general way herein to refer to a free base of naltrexone, a pharmaceutically acceptable naltrexone salt (including hydrates and anhydrous forms, e.g., naltrexone hydrochloride dihydrate and anhydrous naltrexone hydrochloride), a naltrexone metabolite, a naltrexone isomer, or mixtures thereof.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt,” as used herein, refers to a formulation of a compound that does not cause significant irritation to an organism to which it is administered and does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the compound. Pharmaceutical salts can be obtained by routine experimentation. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include bupropion hydrochloride, radafaxine hydrochloride, naltrexone hydrochloride, and 6-β naltrexol hydrochloride.

Throughout the present disclosure, when a particular compound is mentioned by name, for example, bupropion or naltrexone, it is understood that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, or metabolites of the named compound. For example, in any of the embodiments herein, an active metabolite of naltrexone (e.g., 6-β naltrexol) can be used in combination with, or instead of, naltrexone. In any of the embodiments herein, an active metabolite of bupropion, including S,S-hydroxybupropion (i.e., radafaxine), can be used in combination with, or instead of, bupropion.

The term “sustained release,” as used herein, has its ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and thus includes, by way of non-limiting example, the controlled release of a drug from a dosage form over an extended period of time. For example, in some embodiments, sustained-release dosage forms are those that have a release rate that is slower that of a comparable immediate release form, e.g., less than 80% of the release rate of an immediate-release dosage form.

An immediate-release naltrexone formulation appropriate for use as a reference standard is the immediate-release naltrexone formulation, widely available commercially as the REVIA® brand of naltrexone hydrochloride, or an equivalent thereof. An immediate-release bupropion formulation appropriate for use as a reference standard is the immediate-release bupropion formulation, widely available commercially as the WELLBUTRIN® brand of bupropion, or an equivalent thereof. The U.S. government regulates the manner in which prescription drugs can be labeled and thus reference herein to the REVIA® brand of naltrexone hydrochloride and WELLBUTRIN® brand of bupropion have well-known, fixed, and definite meanings to those skilled in the art.

The term “oral dosage form,” as used herein, has its ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and thus includes, by way of non-limiting example, a formulation of a drug or drugs in a form administrable to a human, including pills, tablets, cores, capsules, caplets, loose powder, solutions, and suspensions.

The terms “mitigate” or “mitigation” of weight gain, as used herein, include preventing or decreasing the amount of weight gain associated, e.g., with the administration of a drug or a change in life activity. In some embodiments, mitigation of weight gain is measured relative to the amount of weight gain typically experienced when only one or neither of naltrexone or bupropion is administered.

The term “promotion” of weight loss, as used herein, includes causing weight loss relative to a baseline weight for a least a portion of the period of treatment. This includes an individual that initially gains some weight, but during the course of treatment loses weight relative to a baseline prior to beginning treatment, as well as individuals that regain a portion or all of the weight that is lost by the end of the treatment period. In a preferred embodiment, at the end of the treatment period, the individual has lost weight relative to a baseline. In a preferred embodiment, mitigation of weight gain or promotion of weight loss in a patient administered naltrexone and bupropion is greater than when neither or only one of naltrexone or bupropion is administered, and more preferably an at least additive, or better than additive, or synergistic, effect of administering the two compounds is achieved.

In any of the embodiments described herein, methods of treatment can alternatively entail use claims, such as Swiss-type use claims. For example, a method of treating overweight or obesity with a composition can alternatively entail the use of a composition in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of overweight or obesity, or the use of a composition for the treatment of overweight or obesity.

It is understood by those of skill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any reference referred to herein is incorporated by reference for the material discussed herein, and in its entirety.

EXAMPLES

The examples below are non-limiting and are merely representative of various aspects of the invention.

Example 1 summarizes the protocol for a clinical study demonstrating that treatment with Naltrexone SR/Bupropion SR does not increase or decreases the occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in overweight and obese subjects with cardiovascular risk factors.

APPENDIX ₁ SCHEDULE OF STUDY PROCEDURES

The visit window for Visit 3 (Day 1) is = 3 days relative to Visit 2 (Week-2). Post-baseline visit windows are = 3 days at Visit 4, = 1 week at Visits 5 and 6, = 2 weeks for subsequent visits. ¹For Visits 8, 10, and 12 only. ²Women of child-bearing potential (including peri-menopausal women who have had a menstrual period within one year) only. ³Visit 7 training will focus on remote internet or telephone contact procedures. ⁴Visit 3 = dispensing only. Visit 14/End-of-Study Visit, and End-of-Treatment Visit = return only. ⁵Subjects with an End-of-Treatment Visit will not return study medication or have compliance or concomitant medications recorded at Visit 14/End-of-Study Visit. ⁶Subjects who discontinue study medication before Week 208 will be asked to return to the study site for the indicated end-of-treatment assessment, and asked to return for their remaining visits through Week 208 for follow-up. ⁷After Visit 7 and through the remainder of the study, subjects will answer specific questions pertaining to compliance and any occurrence of hospitalizations through an internet- or telephone-based data collection system every 3 months between visits. Hospitalization information will be used to identify potential MACE or SAEs.

Example 2 summarizes the protocol for a clinical study demonstrating the beneficial effect of Naltrexone SR/Bupropion SR on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese subjects in conjunction with a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CLI) program compared minimal lifestyle intervention program.

Controlled Treatment Period Screening Visit 2 Visit 1 (Day 1) Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 Visit 6 Visit 7 Visit 8 (Screen)¹ (Baseline)¹ (Wk 2) (Wk 6) (Wk 10) (Wk 16)¹ (Wk 20) (Wk 26)¹ Informed Consent X Eligibility Criteria X X Demographics X Medical History X X Height X Electrocardiogram Physical X Exam Chemistry, Hematology, X Urinalysis, Drug Screen (urine) Randomization X Weight, Viral Signs (BP, HR) X X X X X X X X Waist Circumference X X X Concomitant Medication X X X X X X X X Review Pregnancy Test (urine)² X X X X X X X X Lipids, Glucose, Insulin³ X (glucose, X X X TG₃ only) Patient Reported Outcome X X X Measures (BES, ASEX, IWQQL-Lite) Query for SAE₃ X X X X X X Minimal Lifestyle X X Intervention (Usual Care only) Evaluation to continue X Treatment (NB only) Review CLI participation X⁴ X X X X X X (NB only) Study Medication X⁶ X X X X X Dispensing/Return (NB only) Study Medication X X X X X X Compiance (NB only) The visit window between Visit 1 (Screening) and Visit 2 (Day 1: Baseline) is up to 2 weeks. Visit windows are ±3 days at Visit 3 and 4: ±1 week at Visits 5, 6, 7, and 8 relative to Visit 2. ¹Subjects should arrive having fasted (no food or beverage except water) overnight for at least 8 hours before this visit. Subjects should receive a call from a member of the study site staff 1 to 3 days prior to these visits (except Visit 1) reminding them to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the visit. ²Women of child-bearing potential (including peri-menopausal women who have had menstrual period within over year) only. ³Gluocose and triglycerides at Visit 1 are to confirm subject eligibility . Measures at Visit 2 are to obtain baseline values. ⁴Subjects are to be registered for the CLI program and receive instructions at this visit. ⁵Subjects randomized to Usual Care who switch NB and CLI are to be registered for the CLI program and receive instructions at this visit. ⁶Dispensing only at this visit. ⁷Subjects randomized to Usual Care who switch NB and CLI are to dispensed study medication at the visit. Uncontrolled Treatment Period End of Full Visit 9 Visit 10 Visit 11 Visit 12 Visit 13 Visit 14 Visit 15 Participation (Wk 32) (Wk 36) (Wk 42)¹ (Wk 46) (Wk 52)¹ (Wk 65) (Wk 78)¹ Visit Weight, Vital Signs X X X X X X X X Waist Circumference X X X X Concomitant Medication X X X Review Pregnancy Test (urine)² X X X X X X X X Lipids, Glucose, Insulin X X X Patient Reported Outcome X³ Measures (BES, ASEX, IWQOL-Lite) Query for SAE₃ X X X X X X X X Evaluation to Continue X Treatment (Usual care → NB only) Review CLI participation X X X X X X X X⁴ Study Medication X X X X X X X⁵ X⁵ Dispensing/Return Study Medication X X X X X X X X Compliance Visit windows are ±3 days at Visit 9: ±1 week at Visits 10, 11, 12, and 13 relative to Visit 3: ±2 weeks at Visit 14 and 15 relative to Visit 2. ¹Subject should arrive having fasted (no food or beverage except water) overnight for at least 8 hours before this visit. Subjects should receive a call from a member of the study site staff 1 to 3 days prior to these visits reminding them to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the visit. ²Women of child-bearing potential (including peri-menopausal women who have had a menstrual period within one year) only. ³To be completed if the End of Full Participation Visit occurs during the Controlled Treatment Period. ⁴NB only at this visit. ⁵Returning only at the visit.

TABLE 3 Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading scheme for angina pectoris Grade Description Grade I Ordinary physical activity does not cause angina, such as walking and climbing stairs. Angina with strenuous or rapid or prolonged exertion at work or recreation. Grade II Slight limitation of ordinary activity. Walking or climbing stairs rapidly, walking uphill, walking or stair climbing after meals, or in cold, or in wind, or under emotional stress, or only during the few hours after awakening. Walking more than two blocks on the level and climbing more than one flight of ordinary stairs at a normal pace and in normal conditions. Grade III Marked limitation of ordinary physical activity. Walking one or two blocks on the level and climbing one flight of stairs in normal conditions and at normal pace. Grade IV Inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort, angina syndrome may be present at rest. Campeau, 1976. Available on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Website at www.ccs.ca

TABLE 4 New York Heart Association: the stages of heart failure Class Patient symptoms Class I (Mild) No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea (shortness of breath). Class II (Mild) Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea. Class III (Moderate) Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea. Class IV (Severe) Unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased. Available on the Heart Failure Society of America website at www.abouthf.org 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a subject at increased risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event for overweight or obesity comprising: selecting an overweight or obese subject who has been identified has being at increased risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event; and administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of 32 mg sustained release naltrexone per day, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and 360 mg sustained release bupropion per day, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein said overweight or obese subject is identified as being at increased risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event if said subject is diagnosed as having cardiovascular disease with at least one risk factor selected from the group consisting of: a history of documented myocardial infarction >3 months prior to said identification; a history of coronary revasculation including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stent placement, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or laser atherectomy; a history of carotid or peripheral revascularization, including carotid endarterectomy, lower extremity atherosclerotic disease atherectomy, repair of abdominal aorta aneurysm, femoral or popliteal bypass; angina with ischemic changes, ECG changes on a graded exercise test, or positive cardiac imaging study; ankle brachial index <0.9 assessed by simple palpation within prior 2 years of said identification; and >50% stenosis of a coronary, carotid, or lower extremity artery within prior 2 years of said identification.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said overweight or obese subject is not diagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes mellitus with at least 2 risk factors selected from the group consisting of: hypertension controlled with or without pharmacotherapy at <145/95 mm Hg; dyslipidemia requiring pharmacotherapy; documented low HDL cholesterol, <50 mg/dL in women or <40 mg/dL in men, within prior 12 months of said identification; and current tobacco smoker.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject is treated for at least 16 weeks.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing said subject with a web-based weight management program, a phone-based weight management program, or a combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said phone-based weight management program comprise one or more coaching calls to said subject.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said phone-based weight management program optionally comprises one or more web coaching tools.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein said web-based or phone-based weight management program provides said subject with one or more of behavioral, nutritional or fitness education.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein said weight management program comprises one or more activities selected from the group of weekly recording of said subject's weight, daily recording of said subject's food intake, and daily recording of said subject's activity.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein said weight management program comprises said subject recording said subject's food intake, wherein said program can track calories for said recorded food intake using a computer database of calories for specific food and/or meals.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is administered said sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and said sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a tablet containing 8 mg of sustained release naltrexone and 90 mg of sustained release bupropion.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said major adverse cardiovascular event is cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject achieves a percentage of weight loss of at least 5%.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject does not receive an intensive behavioral modification (BMOD) program for weight loss.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said treatment with naltrexone and bupropion does not increase said subject's risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said treatment with naltrexone and bupropion decreases said subject's risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein said major adverse cardiovascular event is cardiovascular death.
 17. the method of claim 1, wherein said sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in two 8 mg doses twice daily, and said sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in two 90 mg doses twice daily.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein said sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in two 8 mg doses twice daily, and said sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in two 90 mg doses twice daily.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the subject is administered said sustained release naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and said sustained release bupropion, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a tablet containing 8 mg of sustained release naltrexone and 90 mg of sustained release bupropion. 